Heat or cold therapy lumbar belt works by stimulating your body’s own healing force.

For instance, heat dilates the blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation, and reduces muscle spasms. In addition, heat alters the sensation of pain.

Conversely, cold pads reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. Cold therapy is also known as cryotherapy. It works by reducing blood flow to a particular area, which can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling that causes pain, especially around a joint or a tendon. It can temporarily reduce nerve activity, which can also relieve pain.

As a general rule of thumb, use cold therapy for acute injuries or pain, along with inflammation and swelling. Use heat for muscle pain or stiffness.